NFL Week 1: IDP Statistics

It is week one and it is time to show up and show out. So what we have to go on is last year’s IDP statistics, match-ups and that feeling deep… deep in our guts.

Here are some stats to help you decide how confident you are in your picks:

2016 NFL Leaders in Tackles (according to ESPN)

Linebacker-Bobby Wagner 167 tackles: Wagner also had 4.5 sacks and one interception.

Wagner’s first assignment will be against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. According to Pro Football Focus, Wagner led the league in pressures among inside linebackers in 2016.

Linebacker-Zachery Brown 149 tackles: Brown also had 4.0 sacks and one interception.

Washington will go up against the Philadelphia Eagles. This will be Brown’s first year in Washington after leaving Buffalo, and his Pro-Bowl 2016 season. This will also be the time that Brown can take his social media “discussion” with Eagles’ right tackle Lane Johnson on the field.

Linebacker-Christian Kirksey 148 tackles: Kirksey also had 2.5 sacks.

Although Kirksey just signed a 20 million guarantee, he is really only a two down back. Defensive coordinator Greg Williams 4-3 defense may shed light on the fact that pass coverage is not his forte. The Browns will limp into their first game, so Kirksey may be forced to be a three down back. More play time and you have to figure Browns’ defense will be on the field a lot.

Hold your breath…Lee was not listed on the injury report for the first game. Lee is a phenomenal talent who has problems staying on the field. The Dallas Cowboys will play the New York Giants for the first game. Last year in the lost to the Giants, Lee had 22 tackles, in one game!

Linebacker-Kwon Alexander 145 tackles: Alexander also had 3.0 sacks and one interception.

** Alexander not playing WEEK 1 BYE**

Sleeper pick Week 1: Linebacker TJ Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers: To really no one’s surprise Watt was named starting linebacker over James Harrison. First, the match-up couldn’t be better as the Steelers will meet rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer and the Cleveland Browns, the first game. Second, Watt will be the first rookie outside linebacker to start an opening game for the Steelers since 1988 and Aaron Jones. And third in the preseason, Watt collected 11 tackles, two sacks and a pass deflection.

The Atlanta Falcons go against the Chicago Bears led by Mike Glennon for game one. Glennon hasn’t started an NFL game in three years. Beasley went to work with Von Miller this preseason to improve. Who do you think is going to win this battle?

The acquisition of Chandler Jones frees up Golden for more one-on-one-situations.

Sleeper pick Week 1 : Outside linebacker Nick Perry, Green Bay Packers: Last year Perry set a career high 11 sacks. According to Pro Football Focus he ranked ninth highest grade among 3-4 outside linebackers. This week he goes against the last ranked offensive line in the Seattle Seahawks

DEFENSIVE BACKS AND CORNERBACKS

Landon Collins, v Dallas Cowboys

Johnathan Cyprien v Oakland Raiders

Harrison Smith v New Orleans Saints

Keanu Neal v Chicago Bears

Tyrann Mathieu v Detroit Lions

Playing IDP is like a giant chess board where you are constantly moving players to get to the opposition’s regularly and consistently. It isn’t always the big sexy names that are going to get you points, because, well if you know they are studs so does the opposing quarterbacks.

Unfortunately, Eric Berry was lost to injury. Remember that Tampa Bay and Miami are on bye weeks. And as always good luck!